Category: Jobs

If you haven’t seen a theme in our last few posts, it’s that all moms, especially Stay-At-Home Moms (SAHMs) need to take time for themselves. One of the ways in which a SAHM can do this is through a side hustle. Simply put, a side hustle is “a way to make some extra cash that allows you flexibility to pursue what you’re most interested in. It can also be your true passion – a chance to delve into fashion, travel or whatever it is you care about the most without quitting your day job.”

As I perused my “Friends” list on Facebook, I saw a wide variety of side hustles that my fellow SAHMs were doing. Here’s just a glimpse of what I saw.

From Sales to Blogging to Boutiques, these women are expanding their horizons and developing their talents- directly from their home. And what do they get from all of this? Here are the four main benefits a SAHM gets from a side hustle.

1- Social Support. As fulfilling as it is to be a SAHM, it’s not enough. Often, SAHMs need more interaction with adults, more validation, and more variety than they get just through their kids. Side hustles are a crucial way to provide such a network of support. Side Hustles mean interacting with ADULTS, whether online, at a conference, or through in-person consultations.

2- Experience. Even if you don’t make a lot of money in your side hustle, you gain so much experience! One of my bucket list items a few years ago was to open an Etsy Earring Shop. While I was only able to break even with my investment, I learned so much through the process. I consider the experience I gained running a small business far more valuable than the money I made. I was so grateful for the insight it gave me into other businesses. By doing a side hustle, you learn things about the market you are in, about yourself, and about your potential. I found out I didn’t really like trying to do all the marketing for my Etsy business, and it was easier for me just to go to a craft fair for a day.

3- Education. If you want to do a side hustle right, you have to get more education. I’m not necessarily talking about taking more college classes. I’m talking about online webinars, email courses, or training with someone in the same field. As a blogger, I’ve attended webinars on growing a blog, received email courses on growing a Business Instagram account, and joined a Facebook group for Small Business Owners. All of these things provided me with a targeted education to succeed. So if you are looking to grow your side hustle, look online! There are so many resources available to you. And as a bonus, they’ll add to your resume while you still are a SAHM.

4- Finance. It never hurts to have an extra income! I know a lot of women who are quite successful in their side-hustles. But I also know an equal amount of women who choose to make less for their own flexibility.

Even if my side hustles only lasted a short while, I’m grateful for the benefits I’ve gained from them.